New Arcade and Axe Throwing Venue Opens in North Kildonan

A new entertainment venue, the Smash n Axe Arcade Disco, has officially opened its doors in North Kildonan, providing a nostalgic experience reminiscent of the 1990s. Located in the basement of the Nor Villa Hotel, the venue features a vibrant atmosphere with neon decorations, aimed at transporting visitors back to their childhood arcade days. Owners Adam Dudek and Raj Maniar envision it as an adult playground where patrons can enjoy various games and activities.

The arcade showcases over 20 games, including 11 pinball machines, and introduces unique attractions such as two rage rooms. These rooms, referred to as “smash rooms,” allow guests to break household items in a controlled environment. According to Maniar, this creative approach aims to help visitors channel their frustrations in a fun way. The venue also features four lanes for augmented reality axe throwing, allowing participants to throw at interactive targets using projection technology.

The bar at Smash n Axe offers a selection of local beers from six breweries, alongside a menu featuring food items from the on-site restaurant, Bull & Filly. This collaboration enhances the overall experience for guests, providing them with a complete entertainment package under one roof. The venue is open from 16:00 to 00:00 from Wednesday to Saturday and 16:00 to 23:00 on Sundays.

Dudek and Maniar, who have been friends for years, started dreaming of this venture last summer while discussing the potential of opening a rage room. Their brainstorming led to the incorporation of arcade games, axe throwing, and a bar, aimed at creating an environment where patrons would linger longer than they typically would in a standard rage room.

Dudek, who lives in nearby East Kildonan, identified a gap in entertainment options for adults in the area. He expressed enthusiasm for the new business, noting the importance of providing engaging activities for those aged 18 and older. The duo signed a lease for the Nor Villa in March 2025, subsequently renovating the former banquet hall into an inviting space for visitors.

Pricing for activities is designed to be accessible. Smash rooms accommodate one to four people at a rate of $40 per person for 30 minutes, which includes 20 items to smash. Patrons can opt for larger items, such as computers and televisions, for an additional fee. Axe throwing is priced at $40 per person for an hour, with a maximum of four people allowed in each lane.

Dudek and Maniar are also considering opening the business to minors during specific hours, depending on demand. This potential expansion could further broaden their audience. They invite anyone who remembers visiting iconic arcades, such as Magicland on Portage Avenue or Excalibur in the Garden City mall, to join them in reliving those cherished moments.

The Nor Villa Hotel, managed by Noele Gauthier, has welcomed Smash n Axe with enthusiasm. Gauthier described the hotel as a lively venue, offering a range of amenities including a restaurant, bar, and live music space. The addition of Smash n Axe is seen as a positive development that will enhance the hotel’s offerings.

The opening of Smash n Axe Arcade Disco marks an exciting new chapter for both the local community and its owners. As Dudek and Maniar put it, “We’ve basically built our own adult playground that we want to be in, and we hope other people will want to be here too.”